Welcome to Skagit County

May 20th, 2008

Munks helps launch initiative to improve Coastal and Ocean Resources and the communities that depend on them

SKAGIT COUNTY – The Joint Ocean Commission Initiative is undertaking an initiative to improve local and state government efforts to protect ocean and coastal areas. Skagit County Commissioner Don Munks has joined the effort. Munks joined other West Coast elected officials at a workshop, May 16, 2008, in Monterey, California. “This was an incredible gathering of elected officials. Protecting our oceans has to start at the local level,” said Munks.

The group of elected officials signed a letter addressed to the Joint Ocean Commission Initiative to request they provide a report identifying the highest priority actions that should be taken to ensure local governments and state legislators in Washington, Oregon and California are able to effectively advance their mutual interest in vibrant, sustainable, and resilient coast communities and ocean resources.

The Joint Ocean Commission Initiative is a collaborative effort of the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy and Pew Oceans Commission to catalyze ocean policy reform. The Initiative is guided by a ten-member Task Force, five from each Commission, and led by Admiral James D. Atkins and the Honorable Leon E. Panetta, Chair of the U.S. Commission, respectfully. The primary goal of the Joint Ocean Commission Initiative is to accelerate the pace of change that results in meaningful ocean policy reform.

For further information, contact:
Dan Berentson
Communications Director
360-419-3461